The FINANCIAL -- Boeing and Aerolíneas Argentinas on December 4 celebrated the delivery and commercial debut of the first 737 MAX airplane for the airline and for Latin America.

Aerolíneas took delivery of the airplane, a MAX 8, in late November and flew the first commercial flight about a week later from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, becoming the first in the region to operate the new and improved 737 airplane, according to Boeing.

"Adding the 737 MAX to our fleet is yet one more example of the growth we are envisioning for our company," said Mario Dell´ Acqua, President of Aerolíneas Argentinas. "We feel both proud and responsible to continue working to deliver enhanced connectivity and an elevated experience to our passengers."

Aerolíneas Argentinas is experiencing strong growth, with a 15 percent increase in passenger traffic in the past year, and a 22 percent increase since 2015. To support that growth, the airline plans to take delivery of 12 MAX airplanes and use them on flights regionally and, later in 2018, to the Caribbean.

"The 737 MAX 8 is a significant addition to Aerolíneas' fleet. The MAX will enable the airline to continue to grow and win market-share in the competitive single-aisle marketplace," said Ricardo Cavero, vice president, Latin America sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "It is a tremendous honor that Aerolíneas Argentinas will be the first Latin American carrier to fly the 737 MAX, and we're confident the airplane's efficiency and reliability will help meet their goals."

The 737 MAX is the fastest selling airplane in Boeing history, surpassing 4,000 total orders to date. The MAX family incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.